There are many simple steps you can take to reduce your water consumption:

• Shortening your showers by just 1-2 minutes will save up to 700 gallons/month.
• Turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving saves 3 gallons/day, which adds up to 1,095 gallons/year.
• Lower your hot-water thermostat. Every 10-degree temperature reduction saves 3 to 5 percent off your water heating bill.
• Drink tap water from a reusable container rather than bottled water.
• If you are having a meeting, consider using a pitcher of tap water instead of bottled water.
• Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water required more than 1.5 million barrels of oil last year.
• Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can reduce your hot-water consumption by half.
• Use a low-flow toilet. If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, fill a 2-liter soda bottle with water and put it inside the toilet tank. It shouldn’t affect the performance of the toilet and will save water with every flush.
• Fix leaky pipes or faucets immediately.
• Wash clothes in cold water, not hot, and remember to run the washer only for full loads. Washing your clothes in cold water can save up to $400 a year in bills.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with water instead of running water for each item. Also, dishwashers use less energy than washing by hand.
• Use non-toxic cleaning materials.

The web site of the Massachusetts Water & Reservoir Authority (MWRA) has many other tips for conserving water in your dorm, house, or apartment. Or learn over 100 ways you can save water by visiting Water – Use it Wisely.